Drum type washing machine

ABSTRACT

A drum type washing machine includes a tub configured to contain water, a rotatable drum in the tub configured to receive laundry, a water supply pipe configured to supply washing water to the tub, a water supply stand-by box connected to the water supply pipe, and a heating device in the water supply stand-by box configured to increase the temperature of the water in the water supply stand-by box.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0134385, filed on Nov. 6, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a drum type washing machine, and more particularly, to a drum type washing machine that is capable of controlling a temperature of washing water.

BACKGROUND

In general, a drum type washing machine uses a method of placing laundry through a door at a front side of the washing machine, and washing the laundry using a relatively small amount of water and detergent.

The drum type washing machine includes a cabinet that forms an exterior of the washing machine, a tub in the cabinet configured to contain the washing water, a rotatable drum in the tub configured to receive the laundry, a motor in or under the tub configured to provide motive power to the drum, a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub, and a drainage device configured to discharge the washing water from the tub to the outside of the cabinet after the washing operation is terminated.

A detergent case is at one side of the cabinet and a water supply pipe is connected to the tub through the detergent case. As a result, when the washing water is supplied through the water supply pipe by actuating the water supply device, the detergent in the detergent case may be supplied into the tub.

The conventional drum type washing machine has a heater for heating the washing water in the tub, and washes the laundry with high-temperature washing water by heating the washing water contained in the tub with the heater.

However, in order to directly increase the temperature of the washing water contained in the tub, the heater is continuously operated, or the washing water is unnecessarily heated, and as a result, power may be wasted.

Since the detergent stored in the detergent case is supplied to the tub together with relatively cold water, the detergent may not be easily dissolved.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a drum type washing machine that is capable of reducing consumption of power, conserving washing water, and efficiently dissolving detergent.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a drum type washing machine, including a tub configured to containing washing water, a rotatable drum in the tub configured to receive laundry, a water supply pipe configured to supply water to the tub, a water supply stand-by box connected to the water supply pipe, and a heating device in the water supply stand-by box configured to increase a temperature of water in the water supply stand-by box.

The drum type washing machine may further include a control valve on the water supply pipe between the water supply stand-by box and the tub, a temperature sensor in the water supply stand-by box, and a control unit configured to control an operation of the heating device and the control valve. The control device may control the heating device and the control valve according to various factors, such as information received from temperature sensor, the washing step being performed, and the washing situation.

The control unit is configured to separate a washing operation, a spin-dry operation, and/or a rinsing operation into a plurality of steps to control the heating device and the control valve.

The control unit may open the control valve when the temperature of the washing water in the water supply stand-by box is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

The predetermined value may have one of a plurality of different values according to the washing step and/or situation.

The drum type washing machine may further include a detergent storage unit connected to the water supply pipe between the control valve and the tub, and the water from the water supply stand-by box may be supplied to the detergent storage unit.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a drum type washing machine can reduce consumption of power, conserve water, and easily dissolve detergent.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a drum type washing machine according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of the drum type washing machine of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

One or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure can be easily determined by those skilled in the art. As those skilled in the art will realize, the described exemplary embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, which is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

It is noted that the drawings are schematic and are not necessarily dimensionally illustrated. Relative sizes and proportions of parts in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced in their sizes, and a predetermined size is just exemplificative and not limitative. The same reference numerals designate the same structures, elements, or parts illustrated in two or more drawings in order to exhibit similar characteristics.

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate ideal exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail. As a result, various modifications of the drawings are expected. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to a specific form of the illustrated region, and for example, include a modification of a form by manufacturing.

Hereinafter, a drum type washing machine 101 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the drum type washing machine 101 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure includes a tub 200, a drum 250, a water supply pipe 310, a water supply stand-by box 400, and a heating device 450.

The drum type washing machine 101 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a detergent storage unit 500, a control valve 350, a temperature sensor 460, a control unit 700, a drainage pipe 390, a damper 600, and a cabinet 800.

The cabinet 800 forms an exterior of the drum type washing machine 101, and an operating panel (not illustrated) configured to allow a user to operate the drum type washing machine 101 may be in or on the cabinet 800.

The tub 200 in the cabinet 800 is configured to contain the washing water.

The rotatable drum 250 is in the tub 200 and configured to receive laundry. The drum 250 has a cylindrical shape with one side or end open, and has a plurality of holes that allow the washing water to flow into the drum 250 from the tub 200.

A plurality of lifters may be in the drum 250 (not illustrated). Therefore, when the drum 250 rotates, the laundry is washed when the laundry is lifted and subsequently dropped by the rotary force of the drum.

Although not illustrated, the drum type washing machine 101 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a driving motor at a rear side of the tub 200, configured to rotate the drum 250.

The damper 600 suppresses vibrations while supporting the tub 200. The damper 600 absorbs vibrations generated when the drum 250 rotates to wash the laundry.

The drainage pipe 390 discharges the washing water contained in the tub 200 to the outside of the cabinet 800 after the washing process is terminated or completed. The water supply pipe 310 supplies new water to the tub 200. Although not illustrated, the drum type washing machine 101 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a valve that controls drainage of the drainage pipe 390.

In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the water supply stand-by box 400 is connected to the water supply pipe 310. In more detail, the water supplied to the tub 200 by the water supply pipe 310 passes through the water supply stand-by box 400.

The water supply stand-by box 400 may have a predetermined volume, and the volume of the water supply stand-by box 400 may depend on the volume of the tub 200 and the total washing capacity of the drum type washing machine 101.

The heating device 450 increases the temperature of the water in the water supply stand-by box 400. In more detail, the heating device 450 may be in or in contact with a surface of the water supply stand-by box 400. The heating device 450 may be a heater driven by electricity (e.g., a resistive heater). Alternatively, the heating device 450 may heat the washing water in the water supply stand-by box 400 through self heat emission and/or by burning a gas (e.g., propane) supplied to the heating device 450. Part or all of an interface between the heating device 450 and the water supply stand-by box 400 may comprise or consist essentially of a metal or other heat conductor. A gasket between the heating device 450 and the water supply stand-by box 400 may comprise a heat resistant and water-tight material.

The control valve 350 is on or in the water supply pipe 310 between the water supply stand-by box 400 and the tub 200. The control valve 350 controls a flow rate of the water from the water supply stand-by box 400 to the tub 200.

The temperature sensor 460 measures the temperature of the washing water in the water supply stand-by box 400.

The control unit 700 controls an operation of the heating device 450 and may control the control valve 350 according to a plurality of factors, such as information (e.g., the temperature) received from the temperature sensor 460 and the present washing situation. Herein, the “washing situation” may refer to a temperature dependent washing environment (e.g., hot, warm, or cold water) for a particular type or types of laundry, together with the washing operation or cycle that may be divided into various steps.

The control unit 700 may also control the driving motor (not illustrated) that rotates the drum 250.

In more detail, the control unit 700 divides the washing situation into the washing operation or cycle, a spin-dry operation or cycle, and/or a rinsing operation or cycle to control the heating device 450, the control valve 350, and the driving motor (not illustrated).

The drum type washing machine 101 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure separates the washing operation into a plurality of steps to perform the plurality of steps.

The control unit 700 actuates the heating device 450 and may open the control valve 350 when the temperature of the water in the water supply stand-by box 400 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The predetermined value may have a temperature in the range of, for example, 30° C. to 40° C., but is not limited thereto.

The detergent storage unit 500 may be connected to the water supply pipe 310 between the control valve 350 and the tub 200. The detergent storage unit 500 may receive water heated by the heating device 450 in the water supply stand-by box 400 as necessary.

Utilizing this configuration, the drum type washing machine 101 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may reduce consumption of power, conserve the washing water, and easily dissolve the detergent.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, operation of the drum type washing machine 101 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. The drum type washing machine 101 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may perform the plurality of steps of the washing stroke or cycle. Hereinafter, a washing stroke or cycle performed in three steps will be described as an example.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, when water is to be supplied to the tub 200, the control valve 350 is closed, and water fills in the water supply stand-by box 400. Subsequently, the washing water is heated by the heating device 450.

The temperature of the water in the water supply stand-by box 400 is sensed by the temperature sensor 460, and when the temperature is lower than a predetermined value, the control unit 700 actuates the heating device 450 to increase the temperature of the water in the water supply stand-by box 400.

Next, when the temperature sensor 460 determines that the temperature of the water in the water supply stand-by box 400 reaches or equals the predetermined value, the control unit 700 opens the control valve 350 to supply the water to the tub 200, as illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the predetermined value may be a temperature within the range of 30° C. to 35° C.

The water that has been heated in the water supply stand-by box 400 dissolves the detergent in the detergent storage unit 500, and the water with the detergent dissolved therein is supplied to the tub 200.

Additionally, water is supplied to the tub 200 from a primary water supply (e.g., separate from the water supplied from the box 400) until it reaches a level sufficient to wash the laundry in the drum 250 (e.g., which may be a predetermined minimum level).

In the drum type washing machine 101 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when the primary water supply is completed, the laundry is washed by rotating the drum 250. The washing may be performed for approximately 15 to 25 minutes, but is not limited thereto. The temperature of the washing water is lower than the temperature of the water from the box 400 due to heat loss during the primary washing.

When the primary washing is completed, the control unit 700 may supply the water in the water supply stand-by box 400 (e.g., a secondary water supply) to the tub 200 by opening the control valve 350. The control unit 700 maintains the water supplied to the tub 200 from the water supply stand-by box 400 at a predetermined temperature by controlling the heating device 450 according to information from the temperature sensor 460. For example, the predetermined temperature when the secondary water supply is supplied to the tub 200 may be within the range of 10° C. to 20° C. The temperature of the water in the tub 200 may decrease by introducing the secondary water supply.

The control unit 700 may performs additional washing (or, alternatively, rinsing) by rotating the drum 250 when the secondary water supply is completed. The additional washing or rinsing may be performed for approximately 25 to 35 minutes, but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the primary washing step is omitted, and the washing process begins with the additional washing step (e.g., when performing cold water washing).

When the additional washing or rinsing is completed, the control unit 700 may open the control valve 350 to further supply water to the tub 200. The control unit 700 increases the temperature of the water in the water supply stand-by box 400 to a predetermined value by controlling the heating device 450 according to information from the temperature sensor 460. In more detail, the water supplied to the tub 200 from the water supply stand-by box 400 at the time of the further water supply step may have a temperature that increases the temperature of the water in the tub 200 to a temperature within the range of 30° C. to 35° C. For example, at the time of the further water supply step, the water supplied to the tub 200 from the water supply stand-by box 400 may have a temperature within the range of 35° C. to 40° C.

The control unit 700 may perform an optional tertiary washing and/or rinsing step when the tertiary water supply is completed. The tertiary washing and/or rinsing step may be performed for approximately 35 to 45 minutes. When the tertiary washing and/or rinsing step is completed, the water in the tub 200 is discharged through the drainage pipe, and the spin-dry operation or cycle and/or the rinsing operation or cycle (or a further rinsing operation or cycle) may be performed (not necessarily in that order).

Therefore, the drum type washing machine 101 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce consumption of power, conserve water, and easily dissolve the detergent.

In more detail, since the heating device 450 increases the temperature of the water in the water supply stand-by box 400, it may be possible to minimize unnecessary heating of the washing water.

Since the heating device 450 heats the water in the water supply stand-by box 400 in a relatively limited space, the control unit 700 easily controls the heating device 450 with precision.

Since the water supplied to the tub 200 may be precisely controlled in a predetermined volume and/or temperature through the water supply stand-by box 400, a total amount of water may be reduced.

Since the detergent stored in the detergent storage unit 500 is supplied to the tub 200 together with the water heated by the heating device 450, the dissolution of the detergent may improve.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure may be implemented in various ways without changing the necessary features or the spirit of the present disclosure.

Therefore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described above are not limiting, but only an example in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is expressed by claims below, not the detailed description, and it should be construed that all changes and modifications achieved from the meanings and scope of claims and equivalent concepts are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments disclosed in the specification of the present disclosure do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure will be interpreted by the claims below, and it will be construed that all techniques within the scope equivalent thereto belong to the scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A drum type washing machine, comprising: a tub configured to contain water; a rotatable drum in the tub configured to receive laundry; a water supply pipe configured to supply water to the tub; a water supply stand-by box connected to the water supply pipe; and a heating device in the water supply stand-by box configured to increase a temperature of water in the water supply stand-by box.
 2. The drum type washing machine of claim 1, further comprising: a control valve on or in the water supply pipe between the water supply stand-by box and the tub; a temperature sensor in the water supply stand-by box; and a control unit configured to control an operation of the heating device and the control valve according to a plurality of factors
 3. The drum type washing machine of claim 2, wherein the plurality of factors comprise information from the temperature sensor and a present washing step.
 4. The drum type washing machine of claim 3, wherein the present washing step comprises a washing operation or cycle, a spin-dry operation or cycle, and/or a rinsing operation or cycle.
 5. The drum type washing machine of claim 4, wherein the control unit separates the washing operation or cycle, the spin-dry operation or cycle, and the rinsing operation or cycle into a plurality of steps to control the heating device and the control valve.
 6. The drum type washing machine of claim 2, wherein the control unit opens the control valve when the temperature of the water in the water supply stand-by box is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature or value.
 7. The drum type washing machine of claim 6, wherein the predetermined temperature or value one of a plurality of different values, depending on the washing step and/or washing situation.
 8. The drum type washing machine of claim 2, further comprising a detergent storage unit connected to the water supply pipe between the control valve and the tub, wherein the water from the water supply stand-by box is supplied to the detergent storage unit.
 9. The drum type washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of lifters in the drum.
 10. The drum type washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a driving motor at a rear side of the tub, configured to rotate the drum.
 11. The drum type washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a damper configured to suppress vibrations and support the tub.
 12. The drum type washing machine of claim 1, wherein the water supply stand-by box has a predetermined volume.
 13. The drum type washing machine of claim 1, wherein the heating device comprises a heater.
 14. The drum type washing machine of claim 13, wherein the heating device comprises a resistive heater.
 15. The drum type washing machine of claim 13, wherein the heating device comprises a gas heater.
 16. The drum type washing machine of claim 2, wherein the control valve is configured to control a flow rate of the water from the water supply stand-by box to the tub.
 17. The drum type washing machine of claim 2, wherein the temperature sensor measures the temperature of the water in the water supply stand-by box.
 18. The drum type washing machine of claim 17, wherein when the temperature sensor determines that the washing water in the water supply stand-by box is lower than a predetermined temperature or value, the control unit actuates the heating device to increase the temperature of the water in the water supply stand-by box.
 19. The drum type washing machine of claim 18, wherein when the temperature sensor determines that the temperature of the water in the water supply stand-by box equals the predetermined temperature or value, the control unit opens the control valve to supply the water to the tub.
 20. The drum type washing machine of claim 2, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the driving motor. 